Sports

Dancing To The Rhythm Of Her Heart

Dancing To The Rhythm Of Her Heart

Mackay Teacher Claims Back-To-Back World Titles

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club 13 June

Mackay Contract Bridge Club 13 June

The Australia Wide Novice Pairs were played in May with 28 Novice players from Mackay competing. N/S winners were Mary Cruickshank and Geoff Cowan. E/W winners: Ted Cullinan and Susan Gibson. Weekly Results Monday 2 June 2025 –- 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait 2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Noel Bugeia / Geoffrey Patterson 3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Ming Ting / Pamela Finger 3rd Joy Block / Nancy Wix 4th H

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Sinkers Make Waves At Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

Sinkers Make Waves At Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

Cairns once again proved itself an ideal host city for the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, held from May 29 to June 1, with over 220 swimmers taking part in three days of competitive pool events at the Tobruk Memorial Pool, followed by an open water swim at Lake Barrine. This year’s swimming program concluded with a scenic open water event on the Atherton Tablelands, where 74 swimmers took on either a 1500 or 3000 metre course in the 24-degree waters of Lake Barrine. Among the competitors we

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Softball Roundup Home Runs, Nail-Biters And Big Plays

Softball Roundup Home Runs, Nail-Biters And Big Plays

It was a strong showing for Dunbar, with their players demonstrating a keen eye at the plate, drawing 11 walks to get on base. Tristan Hillier connected well with the bat, though was caught out by Dragons’ Lachlan Colless. Dragons’ powerhouses Connor Doolan and Noah Baxter made it on base three times each, both eventually crossing home. Boyd Baxter launched a centre-field home run, helping secure a 14-6 victory over Dunbar. Heavy Iron Hawks dominated Dragons Ausgroup in a 14-6 win. Justin Loche

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Mackay Christian College

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

August 24, 2023

Monday 17 April 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

2nd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

3rd Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane

4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

1st Terrence Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 18 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Lorna Shuttlewood /

2nd Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

5th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2nd Mick Robins / Diane Cox

4th Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

Wednesday 19 April Unders and Overs – 9 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Louise Renton / Anne Lutz

2nd Janice Mansfield / Barbara Tait

3rd Elrae Trueman / Terrence Sheedy

4th Diane Stokes / Nancy Wix

E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Joy Block

2nd Monica Darley / Ian Gaskell

3rd David Ting / Sandra Morris

4th Josie Cowley / Vicki Howard

Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Vic Mason / Josie Cowley

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

4th Noel Saunders / Mary Cruickshank

E/W

1st Ming Ting / David / Ting

2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Monica Darley/ Kath Poole

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4th Antonia Tarradas / Faye Wright

5th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

E/W

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

3rd Mick King / Jan Harris

4th Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Saunders

5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

Contributed by Joy Block

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Top Basketball Education For Meteors

August 24, 2023

Young Guns Cain And Doyle

Schoolboy basketball prodigies Max Cain and Amarco Doyle aim to swap their text books for NBL1 North Championship medals when they saddle up with the Mackay Meteors this season.

The 17 year old whiz kids are entrenched in Joel Khalu’s high flying Meteors team that have opened the 2023 NBL1 North Basketball League in style with impressive victories over the Rockhampton Rockets, Townsville Heat, Brisbane Capitals, Northside Wizards and Southern Districts Spartans in recent weeks.

Both St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 12 students are two of the most promising basketballers in the League with bright futures ahead of them.

Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans – who co-ordinates the St Patrick’s College basketball program – believes the duo have stepped up a class this season and are both destined for bigger things.

“We have two absolute gems in Max and Amarco and I know that Joel is monitoring their development closely,” revealed Doevendans.

“They are both outstanding prospects and have made a seamless transition into the Meteors top grade lineup with mature performances on court.”

Cain, a talented shooting guard in his third season with the club, is one out of the box.

At the tender age of 16, he was blooded in the Meteors’ Class of 2021 that captured the NBL1 North Championship title with an impressive 2-0 series victory over Cairns Marlins in the final.

Last year the former North Mackay Magic junior product carried that experience into a stand out tournament for the Under 18 Queensland North representative team that competed at the Basketball Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast.

“Max has the ability to create opportunities with the ball in hand when in offense mode and leads by his actions on court,” said Doevendans.

“He is a versatile player that can shoot the ball in pressure situations and a strong defender.”

Doyle, a Queensland South representative, was a dominant figure at last year’s State Under 18 Championships – leading the North Gold Coast Seahawks from a winless regular season to finish in the top four at the tournament.

“Amarco is a super athletic power forward in his second season with the Meteors that can shoot from long range, protect the rim and dunk with the best of them,” Doevendans added.

By Chris Karas

Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach and St Patrick’s College Basketball Co-ordinator Jamiey Doevendans with four of his top pupils - Ben Devitt, Mackay Meteors young guns Max Cain and Amarco Doyle and Baxter Norsworthy

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$25,000 Grant For Bowen Rugby Union Club Grandstands

August 24, 2023

The Bowen Rugby Union Club have brand-new grandstands for their spectators, courtesy of Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Community Grants program.

The new $25,000 grandstands, which were installed last week, have been a welcome addition for the club, which previously struggled to provide enough seating for those attending games.

Bowen Rugby Union Club Coach Tom Andison said the grandstands are a “game-changer” for the club, enabling them to attract bigger crowds and ensure there is safe and adequate seating available.

“As the club grows in strength, our supporter base has grown, meaning we need more accessible and comfortable seating options,” said Mr Andison.

“The grant helps us create a more welcoming environment for the community and also gives us confidence to host more events and carnivals.”

Queensland Country Bank Regional Manager Darrell Burgess said he was thrilled to be able to give back to the Bowen community through the Good for Good Community Grants.

“As a member-owned bank, we take great pride in being able to give back to the communities who support us,” said Mr Burgess.

“The fields of the Bowen Rugby Club provide a central meeting place for the broader community to come together and enjoy a range of sporting activities.”

Queensland Country Bank Area Manager Darrell Burgess, Bowen Rugby Union Club Coach Tom Andison, and Queensland Country Bank Executive Manager Retail Banking Andrew McArdle with the $25,000 grant for the club’s new grandstands

Image: Supplied, Queensland Country Bank Area Manager

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United Women Continue Good Form In Mackay

August 24, 2023

Whitsunday United’s Division Two Men had a frustrating result going down 4-2 away to Lions on Friday night, despite having most of the possession.

Player of the match for Whitsundays was Caleb Vanderdrift, who was tireless on the right-hand side in both attack and defense, and Cynan Hughes scored his first senior goal.

The Division One Men came out of the box and were immediately on top of Lions, getting multiple chances, but Lions snatched a goal against the run of play.

Stefan Tarne pegged one back, but in the second half, Lions come out with renewed vigour and the game ended 3-1.

U13 Prems came out strong against Dolphins, grabbing an early goal and a second in the second half. A late Dolphins reply led to a nervous finale but the team held out to win 2-1.

U13 Div One had an early 2-0 lead against a determined Dolphins team and added another to make it comfortable. Player of the match Tyrell.

U15 Prems played top of the ladder City Brothers in a tight affair. Jack Robertson was outstanding in goals throughout, but City Brothers came out firing after the break, scoring to take a one nil lead to win.

U15 Div One against top of the table Lions conceded three quick goals. Whitsundays ground their way back into the game.

Div One Women put in a solid performance against Wanderers, with Alex scoring the first goal early in the match. Goalkeeper Dani came out for a run in the second half, scoring twice for a final score of 3-0.

Premier Women had a strong 3-0 win against Wanderers. Tireless work from the forwards and midfield.

Premier Men played an Australia Cup fixture at home on Sunday evening. The first half was a dominant display by the home side but Lions hung on and to their credit capitalised to win the match  3-0.

Next weekend is a huge home round for the Club with nearly all teams taking the field at home.

The Whitsunday United’s women reserve side are in strong form this season

The club’s U13 Prems happy with a good win

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Success At ANZAC Weekend Of Rugby

August 24, 2023

The Whitsunday Sports Park and Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders hosted four games of rugby union last Saturday for the ANZAC round of the Mackay Rugby Union competition.

The ANZAC Round featured two Moranbah Bulls’ teams, with the Kuttabul Camel Boks, Mackay City Redmen, and the Bowen Mudcrabs, and Mackay Brothers bringing a team each.

For the first time in some time, the Raiders were able to field two teams as well – it was a serious weekend of football.

The day started with a Welcome to Country ceremony by local elder Uncle Harold before the Bulls second XV took on the Raiders second XV.

A cracker game ensued with Raiders coming away with a 25-10 victory, and the shadow players each getting a great hit out.

The next match was between Brothers and last year’s premiers, Bowen Mudcrabs. The Muddies come away with their second win of the season, after a forfeit from Kuttabul last week, and the 52-21 score does not indicate the games true nature.

Bowen had the first half ascendancy but Brothers fought back in the second half to score their 21 points.

Airlie Beach RSL subbranch treasurer John Schweitzer then took the microphone to deliver The Ode for all fallen ANZAC men and women. Young Ethan Smith from Proserpine State high then performed the Last Post and Revelle.

At the completion of the anthems, the game of the day kicked off between the Bulls and the Raiders.

The top of the table clash lived up to the hype with the Bulls leading 12-10 at the break and coming away eventual winners 26-20.

Finally, the Kuttabul boys took on the hot favourites, Mackay Cities, and found themselves ahead at half time 14-10.

The halftime break saw them find another gear and they ran away 50-10 winners of the final game for the day.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

The Whitsunday Sportspark hosted an enormous round of Rugby Union last weekend

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Whitsunday Touch Football

August 24, 2023

The wet weather disrupted Whitsunday Touch Football on Monday, with only a handful of completed games before the conditions became unmanageable.

Meanwhile, Touch for Fun has kept several youngsters busy as they learn some of the skills of Touch Football.  

This 6-week program is coming to an end with the last session Monday 8 May.

The Club said no games will be played next Monday, May 1, due to the public holiday.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Touch

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Airlie Beach Bowls Report

August 24, 2023

Airlie Beach Bowls Club has had one of the biggest days in its nearly 40-year history with a series of Men’s Pennants wins last weekend.

The Mens Pennants team led by Warren Mills in Division One were in spectacular form and the Club’s other Men’s Pennant sides – skippered by Peter Barrett and Shane Spann, respectively – won all their games.

Andy McDougall and Club chairman Ash Warland playing exceptionally, backed by Harry Quod.

Division 4 and Division 5 winners also played well-oiled bowls against the St Helen’s team, who could not match the brilliance of Rick Galea, John Matterson, Ted Cullen, and Duncan Smith.

Stacey Hadlow and Stevie Tattam played well, too, and should get a special mention alongside Tony Whitehorn and Bob Spees, who ensured the win in Division Four

There’s a few weeks break before Mens Pennants resumes, and Tuesday and Wednesday Sunday Social bowls, Wednesday night Business House Bowls, Scroungers on Saturday morning, and the school bowls will return.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

The Men’s Pennant Players from Airlie Beach Bowls Club: Craig Coleman, Neil Moore, Stacey Hadlow, Rick Galea, Alan Pershouse, John Matterson, Tony Whitehorn, and Nik Fernbach. Seated: John Trembath, Noel Crosbie, and Stephen Lawrie

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Bowen Bowls

August 24, 2023

This week’s results from the Bowen Bowls Club Competition Games in the mixed pairs saw Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst defeat Bev Smith and Mitch Wright.

Sue Fox and Steve Roome defeated Tiarna Rogers and Jason Wright in the second match of mixed pairs for the week.

The club’s Sunday scroungers winners were Lorraine McArthur, Ray Muir, Peter Bruce, Lee Welsted, and Ron Gould.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Proserpine Bowls News

August 24, 2023

Eight players enjoyed social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club on Wednesday, with Bruce Uhe, Heather Brown, Sandy Daffara, and Carol Crosbie defeating Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison, Philip Brown, and Warren Wilson, 18-14.  

Alen and Heather only played four ends as Alen was scheduled for a competition game to be played at 3pm.

In B Grade Singles played on Wednesday afternoon, Harry Craig defeated Alen Sanderson 27-7.

Division 1 Pennants played an away game on Saturday against North Mackay. Proserpine won the match 63-53.

Proserpine earnt three Match points, two rink wins plus a margin of 10. Sunday's match was a home game against Sarina where Proserpine won the match 63-45, giving the Club a further three match points and one rink win, plus 18.

Division Five Pennants played at home on Saturday defeating Wests Tigers 43-39, earning Proserpine three Match points, one rink win plus four.

Sunday's match was an away game against North Mackay being defeated 28-57 taking away no match points and a minus 29.

On Sunday afternoon, Mike Harrison played double lead with Barry Saroglia. Mike, Mary Hedgelong, and Philip Brown defeated Mike Harrison/Barry Saroglia, Alen Sanderson, and Heather Brown 19-9.  

On Sunday afternoon, two games of Club Championship Singles were played. Wayne Handley defeated Shane Kinnear 25-11; Andrew Bell defeated Scott Kinnear, 25-21.

The Club extended thanks to Isaac and Marcus who marked the games. Social bowls as usual on Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Wangaratta Bowls

August 24, 2023

The Club Competition at Wangaratta Bowls Club was fierce this week, with first winner in Men’s A Singles Steve Roome, who defeated Graeme Read.

The Ladies’ B Singles game was won by Teresa Willshire, who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis. The final of the B Singles between Pat Tracey and Teresa Willshire will be held this Saturday afternoon.

Sundays social results: Winners were Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Allan Rolfe against Toni Bowen, Roger Mumby ,and Graeme Read.

Other games: Merle Elphinstone, Deb Retchless, and Fely Duncan defeated Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Pat Tracey. Kevin Baxter and Kennedy Whitton defeated Laurie Land and Mark Drummond, while Jocelyn Defranciscis, Robyn Stitt, and Kevin Jewell defeated Deb Beel, Penny Warren, and Barry Beel.

The Club wishes its District Players - Denise Wallace and Penny Warren - good bowling in the State District Side Competition to be held next week at the Sunshine Coast, May 3-6.

Whitsunday Regional Councillor Michelle Wright presented the players with ‘Go Whitsunday’ biros to distribute to scoring players (seconds) throughout the tournament.

In the first three days, North Queensland will play six games at Club Maroochy and three at Club Kawana.

The final day, three more games will run in a playoff for whichever Division they reach over the previous days. The games will be livestreamed by Bowls Queensland.

Winter Bingo commences at the club on Friday, May 5. Be at the club by 9am for a 9.30am start with a free morning tea at half time.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Bowen Golf News

August 24, 2023

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the Club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, with 37 points, followed by runner up Leanne Swan, 37 points. Men's winner Vince Hargraves, 39 points, runner up on a countback was Colin Pett, 38.

Pin shots to Lynelle Riley, Carol O'Connell, and Donna Wright, with Kim Bennion claiming an OBP.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Margaret Whyte, with Ladies’ winner Joy Hose, 36 points, second Grace Nott, 35, and third on a countback Claire Garrod, 34.

Pin shots to Grace Nott, Meg Garrod, Julie Mawson, and Robyn Slade.

Men’s winner was Glenn Wright, 43 points, second to Jeff Day, 41, and third to Nathan Donaldson, 40. Pin shots to Chris Matheson, John Storrie, and Rodney Wells.

Peter Swan won the Car wash voucher with an OBP and the Club congratulated Pauline Martin on her hole in one on number seven during Saturday's competition.

This weekend's competition is a 4BBB Aggregate Medley stableford event sponsored by Jeff Day Plumbing.  

Representatives from the Club will play in the Ladies’ Bowen open today, Friday, April 28, for which the Club wishes them good luck.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Pauline Martin with her first ever hole in one this week at Bowen Golf Club

Wednesday ladies’ winners Grace Nott, third place Annie Mason

Marg Whyte trophy winners: ladies’ winner Joy Hose, Mens third place-getter Nathan Donaldson, Sponsor Marg Whyte, ladies second place getter Grace Nott, and third place getter Claire Garrod

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Proserpine Veteran’s Golf

August 24, 2023

Proserpine Veteran Golfers cancelled their trip to Home Hill this week after last minute heavy rainfall left the course unplayable – but not to be deterred, 25 players entered a Proserpine Comp.  

The early players did well but the tail enders copped a drowning as the weather crept down the coast from the north.

Captain Ken Granger won for the men with 70 on a countback from Steve Mitchell, with Peter Fox third with 71.

Helen Deighton took out the ladies with 72, Heather Luvis, 75, and Elspeth Scotford, 78. Pin shots went to Colin and Jenny Hounsell on two, Jenny again on nine, Peter Fox on 13 and Heather Luvis on 16.

Next Tuesday is ANZAC Day and thus no Veteran’s Competition. But there will be PGC two ball Ambrose, shotgun start at 11.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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On The Whitsunday Green

August 24, 2023

This week’s Nine-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Josh Tripcony on 24 points, with second place on 20 Jimmy Millar, and third place to Cameron Mutch, 19.

The Club’s Friday 9-hole stableford was an incredible effort by all competitors, with first place to Andrew Gomez with 21 points, second with 20 on the countback to Glenn Rees, and third place to Michael Bond, 20.

Sunday’s 18-hole stableford first place getter was Glenn Rees, second place Alan Clinch, and third Tyson Flavel. Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Glenn Rees.

This Sunday will be the Club’s Monthly medal tee off at 10.00am

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

Whitsunday Green golfers AJ Shoesmith, and Jim, North, and Beau Hodges

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Whitsunday Social Golf

August 24, 2023

The format of this week’s Whitsunday Golf Club's Sunday Stableford competition was changed from a 4BBB to single Stableford

Blustery conditions complicated the game particularly on the more exposed greens.

LADIES: ALL IN

Winner: Tiina Randmae with 34 points

R/Up: Elise Hodgson with 32 points

Third: Pam Casey with 25 points

MENS' A GRADE:

Winner: Jason Bourke

R/Up: Jason Whitney

MENS' B GRADE:  

Winner: Don Cameron

R/Up: Paul Nicol

NTPs: Tiina Randmae and Jason Bourke on the second, ElisE Hodgson on the ninth and 16th, and Ritchie Atkins on the 13th.

Longest Drives: Ritchie Atkins and Don Cameron for the men, Tiina Randmae and Elise Hodgson for the ladies.

To top off their day, David Hoy and Tina Cook enjoyed the free drink that came with the NAGA, courtesy of Aaron and Tracey Watts.

Next Sunday will be a single Stableford with some of our travellers returning which should brin our numbers closer to normal. Happy golfing.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Whitsunday Sailing Club Report

August 24, 2023

After a week of hot weather and northernly winds ahead of Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Twilight Race, relief was in sight and the fleet headed out for last week’s Wednesday twilight race.

With 10 knots from the southeast, together with flat seas and a colourful sunset, it was a perfect way to celebrate the middle of the working week.

First out of the blocks was Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), leading the Division 2 fleet away, taking the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize along the way.  

Some aggressive moves on the starting line saw some of the line honours favourites pushed out, allowing Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) to create an early lead, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) in pursuit.

Reignition (Charles Wallis), having started well behind the fleet, managed to work through to fourth place at the finish, just behind Treasure VIII, keeping Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and Wide Load behind.  

On corrected time, Treasure VIII took the honours over Bobby’s Girl by just 2 seconds, with Wide Load a further 30 seconds back.

In Division Three, newcomer The Point (Kyle Rose) got off to a great start, leading the fleet away before being overtaken by Matchless (Terry Stevens), who in turn was fending off challenges from Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) and Shiraz (John Cable).  

A mid fleet battle ensued, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon), The Point and Lighthorse, with Rossgo doing best in the conditions to finish fourth on elapsed time.

After handicaps were applied, Shiraz came out on top with Rossgo second and The Point third. A dead heat for fourth place between Matchless and Wobbly Boot gave the competitors something to talk about after results were announced back at the club house.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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